The majestic tiger, an apex predator and iconic symbol of strength, freedom and wild places, is sadly facing extinction with less than 5500 tigers left in the wild, and 13,000 tigers living in captivity in Asia and the US alone.
The Extinction Crisis
While global efforts like the 2010 TX2 tiger conservation plan has shown progress, for some tiger species, others like the Sumatran and South China Tiger still have very few wild tigers, and most are now held in captivity, to preserve their genetics. Experience and knowledge of how to rewild and expand populations of wild tigers are vital for the species’ survival.
Re-Wilding Tigers
The core competency of Tiger Canyon is to rewild captive-born big cats and create a natural environment for them to thrive, our grand purpose is to contribute meaningfully to global efforts to save the endangered wild tiger from extinction. As a respected ex-situ conservation project, our objective is to bring about awareness of the plight of the tiger and pioneer a sustainable model of what the next-generation of game reserves might look like; one which is dedicated to endangered animals no matter where their historic geographic home range is.
Why Africa is Helping to Save the Tiger?
In Asia tiger numbers have dwindled by 95% in the last 100 years due to habitat loss from human encroachment, poaching, and a lack of breeding corridors.
Wild Tigers compete with ever increasing human population, China and India have approximately 150 people per Km2 and hold 17 and 18 % of the world’s human population. In comparison South Africa has 48 people per Km2 and 1% of the global population. At Tiger Canyon in the Kopanong area we have just 3 people per Km2. A shortage of protected wild spaces is the biggest threat to tigers.
South African Game Reserves
South Africa has ample suitable land for re-wilding projects, especially in areas where domestic farming is unprofitable, and wildlife thrives.
Africa has a well established eco-tourism industry, run by private enterprise which ensures successful game reserve management. In Asia wildlife cannot be privately owned, all wild Asian tigers are owned and managed by governments.
Game Reserves and National Parks in South Africa are fully fenced to protect humans and wildlife. In Asia the culture is very different, National Tiger parks are all unfenced, human conflict and poaching are difficult to manage and devastating to tiger numbers.
A Vibrant Safari Industry
There is a wealth of wildlife expertise and experience here in Africa, the Private Game Reserves and National Parks are vibrant and supported by thousands of safari tourists annually. An ideal location for an ex-situ, endangered big cat project to receive support and resources.
The reality of trying to save predators from extinction is that these animals will easily repopulate protected areas that have ample prey species to support them. If we are to save wildlife species it is time to unite and overcome political and geographic boundaries, and seek global solutions.
Tigers are irreplaceable. Their loss would be a tragedy for our planet. Tiger Canyon shows a new path forward. Join us in saving this magnificent creature.
Understanding Wild White Tiger Conservation
The White Tiger: A Natural Wonder
The white tiger is not man-made. Rather, it is a rare genetic variation. This variation arises from a recessive gene in wild tiger populations. This genetic trait is leucism. Leucism results in a striking white coat. It also causes light blue or green eyes. This is unlike albinism. Albinism causes pink eyes and pinkish paw pads. This is due to a lack of pigmentation. This genetic mutation is not only in tigers. It has also been seen in wild lion populations.
At Tiger Canyon, we are proud to be home to the world’s only wild white tigers. We focus on preserving this rare genetic trait. We do this within our normal orange-colored tiger population. Our goal is to protect these remarkable big cats. We also aim to ensure the health and genetic diversity of the overall tiger population. We carefully manage the breeding of our white tigers with normal-colored tigers. This helps us maintain the white gene. Simultaneously, it enhances the genetic strength and vitality of the broader tiger gene pool. This practice ensures the sustainable integration of white tigers back into the wild. It also helps prevent any negative impact on their genetic health.
Ethical Tiger Conservation
Many captive tigers are inbred. They are often unhealthy. These tigers contribute to the illegal trade in tiger parts. It’s crucial to support ethical conservation efforts. These efforts should focus on protecting wild tiger populations. We also need to address the issues of captive tiger breeding. By understanding white tigers, we can advocate for their conservation. This can help ensure the survival of this magnificent species.
Tiger Canyon not a zoo or a National Park. We are Private Game Reserve model that could be replicated, to give many captive born tigers the chance of freedom, and increase wild tiger populations globally.
